Goals from Angel Rangel, Miguel Michu and Danny Graham sent the Welsh side on their way to another convincing win, following an opening day 5-0 victory at QPR.

But one West Ham fan singled out Cole, who had an effort cleared off the line in first-half stoppage time and was replaced by Modibo Maiga after 62 minutes, for abuse on Twitter.

‘Police have arrested a m22 from #Southend following tweets to @carltoncole1. Investigation ongoing,’ read a tweet by the police force.

‘Information on racist tweets passed to officer. Essex Police is investigating. Thanks to all who have brought this to our attention,’ it had written earlier.

Cole had been quick to respond to the abuse, writing on the social media site: ‘Listen, I take racism a lot lighter than others and I do understand the banter that comes along with it to get under peoples’ skin, but it can sometimes be hurtful and insulting.

‘I don’t mind when people criticise me for having a bad game or they think I’m crap at football but just say that, whether I am crap or had a bad game has nothing to with my race, creed or religion.

‘Let’s just keep it football. Kapeesh?’

Danny Graham (left) scored Swansea’s third goal (Picture: PA)

The same fan also aimed vitriolic remarks at Kevin Nolan, Guy Demel and new signing Matt Jarvis.

Cole added: ‘Shock horror!!! All the racist, insulting, know-nothing boo boys are out in their forces after one loss away from home!! I’ll take it like a man!’

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce said his side paid a heavy price for defensive errors.

‘The first half performance was looking very, very good and we were looking comfortable, but we have had two disastrous mistakes, and when you make those sort of errors, particularly away from home, it is going to be difficult to come back,’ he said.